An irked resident has complained after a caravan suddenly appeared at the rear of his house and never left, causing ongoing distress.
The Unexpected Arrival
Colin Taylor returned to his home in Golborne, Wigan, from holiday in September 2024 to find a trailer parked nearby. When he approached the man inside, Colin was told he had recently become homeless after splitting up with his wife and planned to stay for just a few weeks.
Colin, a retired police officer, says the caravan has been a blight on the area ever since. The original occupant was eventually rehomed, according to Colin, who contacted the council to report it empty. However, when the council arrived, another person was inside.
Ongoing Concerns
“We’ve had some proper dodgy-looking people turn up,” Colin told the Manchester Evening News, noting that strangers often visit in the early hours. “People would come and go to the side of the caravan — were they using it as a drug drop or something? I’m frightened to go in my garage because I don’t know who’s in and out. Grandkids used to come out and kick the ball about and you can’t bring them out because you don’t know who’s about.”
Colin says he has reported the issue multiple times to Wigan Council and Greater Manchester Police (GMP). As of May 2026, the caravan remains empty. However, the council states that removal costs must be billed to the owner of the private land where it sits.
Landowner's Dilemma
Beryl Crellin, 81, owns the land on Brook Street where Colin also lives. Affectionately known as Carol, she has no intention of paying the removal fee. “How can they charge me when it’s not my caravan? Yes, it’s my land, but I’m not paying money for them to move it. The council should move it,” she said.
Beryl says she has “had enough” of the situation and takes “no notice.” She added: “I’m 81 and I don’t want to be involved in this. They shouldn’t have put that caravan there without asking. That’s the annoying part about it.”
Frustration Mounts
Colin concluded: “The trouble is, you’re in the pub on a Friday night and all your mates are saying to take it and push it down the street or something. But because I’ve brought it up and complained about it, if it gets found somewhere, I’m getting done for flytipping. There’s nothing I can do, it’s so annoying.”
The Mirror has approached Wigan Council and GMP for comment.
